Ethereal Goth, also known as Ethereal Wave, Ethereal Darkwave, or simply Ethereal, is a subgenre of Darkwave music that originated in the early 1980s in the UK. It is described as “gothic”, “romantic”, and “otherworldly”, and it incorporates elements of Gothic Rock while emphasizing dream-like, atmospheric soundscapes. Ethereal Wave was predominantly influenced by the roster of the British label 4AD, which was home to seminal bands like Cocteau Twins, This Mortal Coil, and Dead Can Dance. Over time, the genre spread to the US and became linked with labels such as C’est La Mort Records and Projekt Records.
The Origins of Ethereal Goth
Ethereal Wave emerged as an extension of the Gothic Rock movement that was prominent in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It was during this period that bands like The Cure, Siouxsie and the Banshees, and The Chameleons experimented with new sounds, helping to pave the way for the genre. Ethereal Wave is known for its delicate and haunting atmosphere, focusing on ethereal guitar work, reverberation effects, and introspective, often unintelligible vocals.
The genre’s earliest pioneers were Cocteau Twins, whose lush, cascading guitar techniques and enigmatic vocals set the tone for what would come to define Ethereal Goth. Their music created an “otherworldly” aura, which music journalists frequently described as “ethereal”. This romantic and darkly atmospheric quality caught the attention of the growing Gothic subculture, giving rise to the term “Ethereal Goth”.
Etymology of the Term “Ethereal”
The term “ethereal” was first used in the mid-1980s by critics to describe the sound of several 4AD bands. Notable media outlets like Alternative Press, Billboard, and Option began to refer to these sounds as “ethereal goth.” In Europe, particularly in Germany, the genre was referred to as “Ethereal Wave”, named in line with other “wave” genres like New Wave, Dark Wave, and Cold Wave. The term “ethereal” quickly became associated with 4AD artists not just for their music but for the aesthetic surrounding the label, including its cover art and visuals.
Prominent music writers, such as Mick Mercer and Dave Thompson, adopted the term in their writings, further solidifying its place in gothic and alternative music history. Simon Reynolds, an influential critic, described the music as “goth-lite” or “post-goth”, reflecting its lighter yet still dark and atmospheric qualities.
Key Artists in the Genre
The Ethereal Goth scene is deeply tied to a few key artists and record labels. In its early days, Cocteau Twins set the blueprint for the genre, with albums like “Head Over Heels” and “Treasure” being regarded as defining works. They incorporated dream-like guitar work, delay-heavy soundscapes, and Elizabeth Fraser’s soaring, unintelligible vocals. Other notable artists include:
- This Mortal Coil: Known for their melancholic and cinematic arrangements, which often featured collaborations with 4AD artists.
- Dead Can Dance: Their early work on albums like “Spleen and Ideal” incorporated gothic and ethereal elements, mixing folk influences with their unique, atmospheric sound.
- Area (later The Moon Seven Times): Representing the American side of the Ethereal Wave movement, Area blended gothic aesthetics with a more ambient and folk-tinged approach.
As the genre expanded into the U.S., C’est La Mort Records and Projekt Records became central to the scene. Projekt’s artists, such as Black Tape for a Blue Girl, helped sustain and evolve the Ethereal Wave sound through the 1990s.
Ethereal Wave’s Influence on Other Genres
Ethereal Wave’s shimmering, atmospheric sound has had a profound influence on the development of Dream Pop and Shoegaze. British bands like Slowdive, Lush, and My Bloody Valentine drew heavily from the ethereal textures of Cocteau Twins, incorporating flanger, chorus, and delay effects to create expansive soundscapes. Kevin Shields of My Bloody Valentine noted the genre’s influence on Shoegaze, saying, “A lot of those bands really were into the Cocteau Twins.”
The crossover between Ethereal Wave and Shoegaze is especially apparent in the way both genres focus on creating lush, layered soundscapes, albeit with Shoegaze often incorporating more noise and distortion.
Style Characteristics
The core elements of Ethereal Goth music can be summarized as follows:
- Guitar Soundscapes: The heavy use of effects-laden guitars (e.g., chorus, flanger, and delay) to create an expansive, dream-like atmosphere.
- Female Vocals: High-register female vocals, often ethereal and operatic, with lyrical content that is often hard to decipher.
- Minor Key Tonality: The genre frequently employs minor key signatures to evoke a melancholic, serious, and wistful atmosphere.
- Drum Machines: A defining feature of early Ethereal Wave music was the extensive use of drum machines, especially by 4AD bands like Cocteau Twins and Dead Can Dance.
- Romantic and Gothic Aesthetics: The music is often closely intertwined with romanticism, pre-Raphaelite imagery, and other gothic visual and literary traditions.
Decline and Evolution
While Ethereal Goth peaked in popularity during the late 1980s and early 1990s, the genre began to decline as the music scene evolved. Many of the original bands disbanded or moved on to new sounds. Despite this, Ethereal Goth’s influence remained strong, especially in genres like Shoegaze, Ambient, and Trip-Hop.
Some bands from the 2000s and beyond have continued to carry the torch for the ethereal sound, including Autumn’s Grey Solace, Tearwave, and Saigon Blue Rain. The genre remains a niche but beloved part of the broader gothic and alternative music landscape.
Ethereal Goth Aesthetics
Much like the music, the visual and aesthetic elements of Ethereal Goth are rooted in gothic romanticism. The artwork of 4AD bands, particularly those designed by Nigel Grierson, reflected the ethereal and otherworldly themes of the music. This visual style often incorporated pre-Raphaelite imagery, surreal landscapes, and dream-like compositions.
Conclusion
Ethereal Goth continues to evoke a sense of mystery, melancholy, and otherworldly beauty. From its early days with Cocteau Twins to its influence on genres like Shoegaze and Dream Pop, Ethereal Wave remains a vital part of gothic and alternative music history. Whether through its haunting melodies, atmospheric soundscapes, or deeply romantic aesthetics, Ethereal Goth stands as a unique and enduring subgenre that captivates listeners with its blend of beauty and darkness.